By Gina Scamuffa
It’s that time of year again.
You guessed it: the SHRHS spring musical is back!
This year’s production is “Little Shop of Horrors,” a rock musical by composer Alan Menken and writer Howard Ashman.
The musical is based on the low-budget 1960 black comedy film of the same name directed by Roger Corman. The music is early 1960’s rock and roll, doo-wop and early Motown.
Audrey Frankowski directs this wacky production with music direction by Matthew Petrozelli and choreography by Karen Martin.
”I can’t wait for the show,” said Mr. Petrozelli, new music teacher at South this year, “I expect good things from this group of kids.”
He added, “The music is definitely a challenge, and these high school students were very committed from the first rehearsal.”
”Little Shop of Horrors” is essentially one of the most ridiculous plot lines you could think of. Our main character, Seymour Krelborn, played by senior Jeffrey Piratzky, has his life flipped drastically upside-down when Audrey II, a man-eating alien plant, voiced offstage by junior Sean Dale, makes him a superstar. But at what cost?
”I’m excited to play the villain,” Sean said. “It’s a role I’ve never done before so it’s a new experience for me.”
”Little Shop” is a story of love, deceit and shenanigans galore with a great cast to boot. We have the grumpy shop owner, Mushnik, played by senior Peter Mercer-Pontier, the lovely damsel in distress, Audrey, played by senior Kacie Craven, a crazed sadistic dentist, Orin Scrivello, played by sophomore Joe Quinn, and a sextet of 1960’s street-wise urchins played by Brielle Cameron, Amy Dupuis, Jess McGregor, Hana Mershon, Tiffany Moran and Madison Storcella.
Ensemble members for this year include Melissa Aversa, Emma Carpenter, Sarafina DiBetta, Sarah Marty, Danielle Mundhenk, Ross Rackin, Gina Scamuffa, Rachel Slovak and Sam Tucker.
”This musical will be horribly delicious,” said Emma, who will be working as puppeteer for the Audrey II plant in the show.
John Dale is both the designer and ingenious craftsman for Audrey II, assisted by Robin Deal. The skid row set was designed by Rich Warwinsky and painted by scenic artist Nora Marley.
These are only four volunteers, among many, from the community without whom shows at SHRHS could not be done. Ruth Mazujian, SHR teacher, has once again costumed the show with early 1960’s flare.
”’Little Shop of Horrors’ is a funny show filled with laughter and emotion unlike any show we’ve ever done at this school,” Jeff said.
So come on out and support SHR’s theater program and see a great show!Show times for this year’s musical are Thursday, March 1, Friday, March 2, and Saturday, March 3,at 7:30 p.m.
General admission is $10; $5 for students and senior citizens. Tickets are available at the door.
Gina is a senior at South Hunterdon Regional High School.

